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‘Dushasana has come to Bengal’: Mamata hits back at Amit Shah in fierce war of words

Manisha Gupta

‘Dushasana has come to Bengal’: Mamata hits back at Amit Shah in fierce war of words. (ANI)


The political battleground in West Bengal witnessed a sharp escalation on Tuesday as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a blistering counterattack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, hours after he targeted her government during his visit to the state.

Addressing a public rally in Bankura, Mamata took a veiled dig at the BJP leadership, invoking characters from the Mahabharata to describe her political opponents. She said, “Dushasana, a disciple of Shakuni, has come to Bengal to gather information. As soon as the elections come, Dushasana and Duryodhana start appearing. Today, they (the BJP) are saying that Mamata Banerjee didn’t give land. Who gave the land in Petrapole and Andal?”

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Trinamool Congress government of blocking border fencing and alleged that “fear and corruption” have become the identity of West Bengal over the last 14 years.

Counters infiltration allegations

Calling infiltration through Bengal’s borders a serious national security concern, Shah held the state government responsible for failing to act decisively.

Hitting back at Shah’s remarks, Mamata questioned the selective focus on Bengal. She said, “They say immigrants only come from Bengal. If that is the case, then who carried out the attack in Pahalgam? Who was behind the incident in Delhi?”

Allegations of voter harassment under SIR

The Chief Minister also raised serious concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging large-scale deletion of voter names.

Mamata Banerjee said, “They (BJP) are harassing people in the name of SIR.”

She further added, “I question Amit Shah on why the names of 1.5 crore people in Bengal are being removed… These are Bengali voters who have been living here for a long time. I have allocated land to set up sectors and provide employment opportunities for the people of Bengal…”

The chief minister announced that she will hold protest in the national capital and West Bengal in case the names of legitimate voters are eliminated from the electoral roll during the SIR process. She asserted, “Will protest in Delhi and West Bengal if the name of a single legitimate voter is deleted.”

‘Do not take Bengal’s respect for granted’

Reacting to Amit Shah’s visit to the state, Mamata said the people of Bengal have remained peaceful and respectful. West Bengal CM said, “The people of Bengal are innocent and have not attacked anyone till now. You must answer us. If we had intended to disrespect you, we would not have allowed you to come out of the hotel. You are fortunate that we are still respecting and honouring you, do not take it for granted…”

Mamata on assembly elections 2026

As Amit Shah expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in Bengal with a two-thirds majority, Mamata dismissed the claim saying that now he is saying two-thirds because he knows the reality, as compared to his earlier speeches where he used to say BJP would get more than 200 seats.

She further added, “After winning in Bengal, we know how to exile you from the country democratically. Bengal will show the path. Bengal will show the vision. Bengal will help everyone in India. We can break but don’t bend, we keep our heads high…”

 

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